Chapter 21
The following days in the Mikaelson compound were filled with unease, each moment marked by the subtle tension that clung to the walls like an unwanted shadow. Santana’s return had shaken them all, but it was a return that carried with it more questions than answers. There was something hidden behind her eyes, something not yet spoken, something buried beneath the layers of her calm exterior. Though the immediate relief of her presence in the compound provided some comfort, the unresolved secrets gnawed at the hearts of those closest to her.
Freya had done what she could to keep the peace for the moment, yet even she could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on her. The family was fractured, the bonds tested in ways they hadn’t been before. The very foundation of their trust had been shaken, and though they all wore masks of strength, the cracks beneath those masks were becoming increasingly visible.
In the dimly lit hallway, Brittany lingered by the door of Santana’s room, her fingers curling around the handle as if debating whether to enter or retreat. She had spent the last few days replaying every word, every glance between Freya and Santana, every flicker of doubt that crossed their faces. She had watched Santana closely, hoping for reassurance, hoping for some sign that everything was truly all right. But the more she observed, the more it seemed like Santana was carrying the weight of the world alone.
The sounds of the compound grew quieter as the night deepened. The others were either resting or engaged in their own thoughts, but Brittany could not shake the nagging feeling that something was off. She couldn’t help but feel that there was more to Santana’s return than met the eye, and she feared the consequences of that secrecy.
Inside, Santana sat by the window again, her gaze fixed on the night sky outside, though her mind was far from calm. She had seen the concern in Brittany’s eyes, had felt the quiet desperation that lingered in the air whenever they spoke. But there was no easy way to explain the deal she had made, no way to voice the promises that had been sealed in blood and shadow. The weight of those promises, however, was becoming too much to bear.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the soft sound of footsteps approaching, and she tensed, knowing who it was before the door opened. Freya entered without a word, her expression unreadable as she crossed the room and stood before Santana.
“I know you’re struggling with this,” Freya said, her voice low, almost gentle, though there was an edge to it. “But you can’t keep carrying this alone. We need to act quickly, and we need to be prepared.”
Santana turned her head slightly but did not look at Freya directly. “I didn’t ask for any of this,” she muttered, her voice barely audible. “I didn’t want to be the one to make this choice.”
Freya’s eyes softened, but only for a moment. “No one is blaming you, Santana. But we all have our roles to play in this. You made a decision, and now we all have to live with it. But you don’t have to do this on your own.”
Santana’s lips pressed together, the guilt and confusion etched into her features. “I just want to keep Brittany safe. That’s all that matters. I made a promise to Greta...”
Freya held up her hand, her gaze intense. “I know. And that’s exactly why we need to act now. If you don’t want this to destroy everything you care about, we need to end it once and for all.”
The words hung between them like a lifeline, though Santana didn’t know if she could grab hold of it. The deal with Greta had never been part of the plan, never been something she had truly considered before it had become the only option. But now, as the weight of that decision settled on her shoulders, she found herself regretting it more with every passing moment. And the thought of losing Brittany, of betraying the people who had always stood by her, tore at her insides.
“I can’t let them hurt her,” Santana whispered, almost to herself. “Not again. Not after everything we’ve been through.”
Freya’s eyes softened further, a hint of sympathy in her expression, but there was also a quiet determination in her voice. “We’re going to make sure that doesn’t happen. But we need your help. And you need to trust us.”
Santana closed her eyes, a heavy sigh escaping her lips as she turned her head away, looking out the window once more. “What do you need me to do?”
Freya exhaled, relieved that Santana was willing to move forward. “We have a plan, one that will allow us to take down Greta for good. But we need you to be a part of it. We can’t do this without you.”
Santana met her gaze now, her eyes wary but willing to listen. “Tell me what you need.”
With that, Freya began to lay out the plan, her voice steady as she explained the details to Santana. It was a plan born out of desperation, a plan that relied on every ounce of magic they had at their disposal. It was dangerous, risky, and it would require every member of the family to put their trust in one another.
The plan was simple in its execution, but complex in its potential for failure. Greta, a vampire with formidable power, was going to be lured to the compound under the pretense that Santana had completed the mission she had promised. It was a lie, but it was one that Greta would have no reason to doubt. Once she arrived, however, the trap would be set.
The Mikaelsons, with the help of Davina and Vincent, would create an illusion using dirt to resemble the shape of Hope standing beside Santana. The magic cast by Freya would make the illusion visible to Greta, who would believe that she was witnessing Santana’s success. But the moment Greta stepped into the radius of Freya’s spell, she would be rendered mortal and vulnerable.
That was when the dagger would come into play. The dagger, infused with the weaknesses of a vampire, would be used to kill Greta. Freya had already prepared the ingredients for the weapon, and Brittany was tasked with bonding the ingredients into the blade, a crucial part of the plan.
Santana’s eyes hardened as she listened, her heart racing at the thought of what they were about to do. This was the moment when everything could go wrong, when the delicate balance they had been trying to maintain could shatter. But it was also the only way to ensure that Greta could never harm anyone again.
“I’ll do it,” Santana said, her voice unwavering. “But I need to be sure this works. No mistakes.”
Freya nodded, her expression serious. “We’re all in this together. We’ll make sure it works.”
Brittany, standing at the edge of the room, had been listening intently. Her heart ached for Santana, for the weight of the burden she was carrying. She had never imagined that it would come to this, but she couldn’t back down now. If this was what it took to protect the ones they loved, she would do whatever it took.
As Freya stepped back, preparing to finalize the details of the plan, a new presence filled the room. The door opened, and a figure stepped inside, casting a long shadow over the gathered group.
Niklaus Mikaelson.
Santana froze, her eyes locking with his as he entered the room with the same calm authority that he always carried. His eyes, cold and calculating, softened ever so slightly when they landed on Hope.
“You’ve all been busy,” he said, his voice laced with curiosity. He looked around at the assembled group, his gaze lingering on Santana and Freya. “What’s the plan?”
Freya turned to him, her expression neutral but her tone firm. “We’re taking Greta down. Once and for all.”
Niklaus’ eyes flicked to Santana, a knowing look passing between them. “And you’re sure about this?”
Santana met his gaze, her voice steady. “I’m sure.”
Niklaus nodded, his expression unreadable. “Then I’m with you.”
And just like that, the family was united in their resolve, though the path ahead was uncertain. The plan was in motion, and the battle for their future had begun.